Soft Food Diet For The Elderly

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 38 million Americans were over the age of 65 in 2007. The aging process not only alters our physical appearance, but changes the way each body system functions. Permanent changes in an elder's ability to chew or swallow may make the use of a soft food diet a necessity.

Significance

The process of aging causes gradual physiological changes effecting every system in the body. Influences such as lifestyle, illnesses, genetics and socioeconomic factors can play a role in the type or rate of change that takes place. Difficulty with chewing, resulting from dental or oral problems, and swallowing, resulting from reduced saliva production and dysphagia caused by strokes or dementia are seen most often in the elderly. These problems may require a change in the consistency of foods consumed.

Function

The mouth is the first step in the process of digestion. Improperly fitting dentures, missing or damaged teeth may cause difficulty chewing. Problems with chewing may lead an elderly person to simply avoid healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. People with dysphagia have a "problem with any part of the swallowing process," according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. This condition may prevent the patient from receiving proper nutrition and may increase his risk of lung infections. A soft food diet is often required to help with chewing and swallowing difficulties.

Features

A soft food or chopped diet can improve the nutritional intake of an elderly patient weak from surgery or improve intake related to poor dentition. The soft food or chopped diet consists of finely chopped, tender meats often topped with gravies, sauces or broth. Vegetables should be well cooked, but not mushy. Soft fruits such as bananas complement the meal. Foods that are difficult to chew or swallow, such as uncooked vegetables, tough meats and chewy breads should be avoided.

For patients diagnosed with severe dysphagia, severe dementia or extremely poor dentition, a puree consistency may be necessary. All foods must be blenderized to a mashed-potato consistency. Bread products must be well moistened. All solid foods must be avoided unless prepared appropriately.

Effects

Elderly persons have a lower calorie need than more active, younger people. When preparing the soft food diet, it is important to select foods that are nutrient dense or include high amounts of vitamins and minerals, such as low-fat milk. The diet should be structured as if the consistency were not changed. Complex carbohydrates, lean proteins and low fat foods should all be a part of the diet. Elderly people also tend to consume less fluid than needed due to a decreased ability to detect thirst or a desire to reduce trips to the bathroom. Fluids should be encouraged. Colorado State University recommends five to eight glasses per day.

Considerations

The ability to tolerate various consistencies can vary greatly from person to person. Consider what you can tolerate or what is recommended to you above what others with similar diagnosis can manage. In the past, whole grains were eliminated but are now recommended as tolerated. If you are concerned, discuss this with your doctor for a referral to a registered dietitian or speech-language pathologist.